Recovering from Surgery

Making plans for when you leave the hospital is a very important part of your surgical recovery. Dr. Edward Hill discusses some of the steps you should take in todays 60 Second Housecall.

Dr. Hill:

Planning ahead before a scheduled surgery will help you be able to return home safely.

Before your surgery, make sure someone will be available to help you at home until youve recovered.

Doctors and nurses will explain how to care for your incisions before you leave the hospital.

You may be asked to take new medications. It is very important that you understand how and when to take your medications.

You will be given a list of what you should and should not do after you leave the hospital and for how long. It is very important to know what is safe for you to do before you leave the hospital.

You may leave the hospital with surgical drains, catheters or tubing in place. You will be instructed how to take care of them.

Sometimes unexpected issues from your surgery happen after you leave the hospital even if everything went well. You will get directions about when you should call your surgeon before you leave the hospital.